There is nothing quite like cozying up to a fireplace in the middle of winter with a hot cup of tea. Not only is this activity healthy for your mind and soul, it is also healthy for your body! Tea drinking originated in China during the Shang Dynasty (1500BC- 1046 BC) and has been used throughout history for religious and medicinal purposes. Today, Western researchers are interested in just what these medicinal purposes served and give evidence for many health benefits associated with drinking tea.

Though coffee might be the preferred pick-me-up in America, tea is a great alternative with less caffeine and acidity. With so many delicious varieties of teas to choose from, you’ll be sure to find your new favorite.

Nutritionists agree that no tea is bad for you, but some teas have more to offer than others. Plain brewed tea contains zero calories and is actually hydrating despite the caffeine. Just stick to the fresh brewed cups instead of the sugary bottles.

Tea is loaded with antioxidants that protect the heart, brain, blood, and skin. Tea has also been found to be associated with weight loss, increasing energy expenditure and fat burning mechanisms. One study revealed that participants who drank tea regularly had a lower body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference than participants who did not consume tea. Tea has even been shown to help Type 2 diabetics process sugar more effectively.

The two most well-known teas are green and black. Keeping with the British tradition, black tea is most popular in the US. In our fast-paced, highly caffeinated lifestyles, this makes sense as black tea leads the pack in caffeine content. Black tea may reduce the risk of stroke and contains polyphenols, protecting your cells from DNA damage and reducing cancer risk.

Green tea is the most widely consumed in Asian cultures, but has slowly gained recognition in the West due to increased trade and demand. Green tea contains a host of health-protecting compounds including antioxidants and statins. Also found to counteract oxidative stress and prevent neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, green tea comes in both Chinese and Japanese varieties. Steep your green tea at the just the right temperature and duration for a smooth, sweet flavor.

A less well-known variety, white tea is derived from the young buds of the tea plant and is the least processed. Because of the minimal processing, white tea contains the highest concentration of antioxidants.

Sweet and fruity oolong tea is another traditional Chinese variety. Oolong tea has been shown to lower bad cholesterol levels and contribute to weight loss.

In the traditional Fairway style, our buyers have traveled the world collecting the finest loose leaf and bagged teas to put on our shelves. Warm up this winter with a steamy cup!